Trojans Fall in Series Finale

Sunday, May 1

Boca Raton, FL

Noon

Troy University

Florida Atlantic University

5/1/2011 3:54:38 PM | Baseball

By: Taylor Bryan

BOX SCORE

BOCA RATON – Needing a win to take the series, No. 22 Troy fell on Sunday to Florida Atlantic 7-1 in Sun Belt action at FAU Baseball Stadium.

Troy (31-13, 15-6) scored the first run on an RBI single by Boone Shear in the second inning that plated Todd McRae, but FAU was able to answer quickly. The Owls took advantage of three walks by Troy starter Jimmy Hodgskin and a pair of base hits to score two in the bottom half and take a 2-1 lead.

McRae went 4-for-4 to set a new career high for hits.

The margin would not change until Hodgskin ran into trouble in the fifth. After a double by Colby Gratton and a walk to Raymond Church, Troy coach Bobby Pierce made the move to the bullpen and brought in south paw Shane McCain.

McCain proceeded to give up an infield hit that rolled to a stop just inside the foul line in front of third base to load the bases. He struck out the next batter, but with a 0-2 count on six-hole hitter Nick Delguidice, McCain left a pitch over the plate and Delguidice took it deep for a grand slam and a 6-1 advantage.

Troy's best opportunity to make up some ground was in the seventh when Ali Knowles and Tyler Hannah walked in front of short stop Adam Bryant, but Bryant popped up a full count pitch to end the threat. He finished with a pair of hits in four at-bats.

Florida Atlantic tacked on a run on a solo home run by Sean Bukovich in the 8th to widen the margin to 7-1. The Trojans put two in scoring position in the ninth with two out, but could not get them home.

Hodgskin took the loss for the Trojans, dropping his record to 2-4 this season.

Troy is in action next on Tuesday when they host Jacksonville State at 6 p.m. at Riddle-Pace Field to begin a four-game home stand.